The Swan Maidens

Once upon a time, in the far eastern lands, there was a great and noble king known as the King of the Golden Sword. Each morning, he rose in his magnificent golden chariot, spreading warmth, light, and happiness across his realm. From his palace in the east to his throne in the west, he traveled daily, making sure all in his kingdom received their fair share of joy. In his land, birds sang, flowers bloomed, and the skies were filled with ever-changing, beautiful patterns.

The king had many daughters, known as the Swan Maidens. Graceful and beautiful, they wore feathered, flowing white dresses. These maidens loved their father dearly and longed to help him care for his kingdom. At times, when the king noticed grass turning brown or flowers struggling to bloom, he would call upon the Swan Maidens. “My children,” he would say, “the green grass and trees need you. Go, bring them back to life.”

With joy, each maiden would set out to care for the kingdom. While some worked directly with the grass and buds, others played by babbling brooks, and the wisest of all even nurtured the hidden roots beneath the ground. When their tasks were done, they returned swiftly and quietly to their father, moving so gracefully that their journey seemed magical.

As the seasons changed, the King asked his bravest Swan Maidens to help prepare the earth for winter. Wrapped in white, feathery blankets, they descended upon the land, laying down a gentle cover to protect the earth. Every seed, every plant, was gently wrapped in warmth until spring. When their work was done, they quietly disappeared, leaving the land peaceful and covered in a blanket of snow.